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$2.5 million frozen in Kinde Durkee case released to politicians, charities

November 27, 2012 | 12:52 p.m.

Politicians who had their campaign accounts plundered by former Burbank-based campaign treasurer Kinde Durkee may not get much in restitution, but a civil action has freed up $2.5 million in funds frozen in bank accounts during the federal investigation.

First California Bank had frozen the accounts of dozens of politicians whose money was handled by Durkee. A Superior Court judge recently ordered the accounts unfrozen and the money left over distributed to its owners.

The money was what was left in the accounts after Durkee misspent up to $7 million, said Atticus Wegman, an attorney pursuing civil action against Durkee on behalf of federal and state legislators.